Media Science is the SaaS platform that harvests, unifies and stores all the data our clients need to unlock the insight that matters.

Tell us about your Azure based solution.

Media Science hosts our entire offering on Azure. Everything from data gathering, through processing to delivery to our users is handled on Azure.

How is Azure implemented in your solution?

Our API is delivered from WebRoles as well as Javascript based applications that use our API from the users’ browser. Our background harvesting capabilities uses WorkerRoles to gather data and store it in within Azure on behalf of our clients.

How did you get excited about Azure?

As Azure is platform as a service, and not just hosting, we are able to focus our development effort on our core product rather than supporting infrastructure. Because Azure is .NET we could seamlessly switch onto developing for the platform using existing tools and skills. Azure means we have to worry less and focus on what really matters.

What were the Azure features that prompted you to decide to build on Azure?

Platform as a service and maintained .NET. The logical split between Web and Worker roles alongside storage so we didn’t need to maintain in-house infrastructure besides what is needed for development.

What specific value are you getting from BizSpark beyond the technology?

Access to the suite of Microsoft enterprise software, introduction and subsequent partnership with Microsoft commercial teams (our very own extended Salesforce), the ability to draw on Microsoft expertise in response to questions/concerns from potential clients.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment since founding your company?

That opening up our API can take us to unpredictable and uncharted (but valuable) waters

What advice do you have for companies that are thinking about building in the cloud?

It’s a no brainer. A capability that scales as you do, meaning you can manage your cost base to your revenue line, preserving cash flow -- the only metric that matters in your start-up business. From a technology point of view: if you accept the very minimal limitations, and embrace the fact that you don’t have to worry about the infrastructure, you really can just focus on building your product.

What is the one thing that you would like readers to take away about your Azure app?

Whatever the source, size, format or location of your data, Media Science can bring it all together. Everything is a source.